- Soak sesame seeds in 1/2 cup water for 30 minutes to 1 hour in a blender pitcher.
- Blend soaked seeds and water on high speed for 40 seconds. Add vanilla extract, coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup water. Blend until smooth.
- Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days before serving chilled.
- Calories:232 kcal25%
- Energy:970 kJ22%
- Protein:4 g28%
- Carbohydrates:20 mg40%
- Sugar:12 mg8%
- Salt:308 g25%
- Fat:16 g20%
Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh
Sesame Seed Milk Recipe – Easy Homemade Tahini-Style Drink
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – homemade sesame seed milk! It’s been a bit of a revelation in my kitchen lately. I first stumbled upon it while looking for dairy-free alternatives, and honestly, it’s become a staple. It’s creamy, subtly sweet, and surprisingly versatile. Plus, it feels amazing knowing exactly what’s going into my drink. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sesame seed milk is seriously easy to make, needing just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional milk, especially if you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to explore new flavors. It’s also wonderfully nutritious, packed with calcium and healthy fats. And honestly? It tastes delicious – a little nutty, a little sweet, and incredibly refreshing.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this creamy goodness:
- ?? cup unroasted white sesame seeds
- 2 cups water
- ?? teaspoon vanilla extract
- ?? tablespoon unrefined coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ?? teaspoon sea salt
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.
Sesame Seeds: Exploring Varieties & Nutritional Benefits
White sesame seeds are what I usually use for their mild flavor, but you can absolutely experiment! Black sesame seeds have a more intense, nuttier taste and are incredibly rich in antioxidants. Toasted sesame seeds will also add a deeper flavour. A cup of sesame seeds is roughly 168 grams.
Coconut Oil: Choosing Unrefined vs. Refined
I prefer unrefined coconut oil for its subtle coconut flavor and added health benefits. Refined coconut oil has a neutral taste if you prefer. About 1 tablespoon is around 14 grams.
Maple Syrup: Natural Sweetener Options
Pure maple syrup is my go-to for a natural sweetness. You could also use dates (soaked and pitted), agave nectar, or even a little honey if you’re not vegan.
Vanilla Extract: Real vs. Imitation
Real vanilla extract makes a world of difference! It adds a lovely depth of flavor. Imitation vanilla will work in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite the same.
Sea Salt: Mineral Richness & Flavor Enhancement
Don’t skip the salt! A pinch of sea salt really enhances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get making! It’s simpler than you think.
- First, pour ?? cup of water into your blender pitcher and add the sesame seeds. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. This softens them up and makes for a smoother milk.
- Now, it’s blending time! Blend the soaked seeds and water on high speed for about 40 seconds. You’ll start to see it turn into a creamy slurry.
- Add the vanilla extract, coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and the remaining 1?? cups of water. Blend again until everything is beautifully smooth and combined.
- This is important: strain the mixture! Pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a container. This removes any remaining seed particles and gives you that silky-smooth texture.
- Finally, refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled!
Expert Tips
Want to take your sesame seed milk to the next level? Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
Soaking the seeds is key. The longer they soak, the creamier your milk will be.
Optimizing Blend Time for Smoothness
Don’t be afraid to blend for a little longer if needed. A high-speed blender is your best friend here, but even a regular blender can work with a bit of patience.
Preventing Sedimentation
Some sedimentation is normal, but you can minimize it by straining the milk really well and gently stirring before serving.
Variations
This recipe is a great base for experimentation!
Vegan Sesame Seed Milk
This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your maple syrup is 100% pure.
Nut-Free Sesame Seed Milk
Perfect for those with nut allergies, this is a fantastic nut-free milk alternative.
Adjusting Sweetness Levels
Feel free to adjust the maple syrup to your liking. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you prefer a sweeter milk.
Spice Infusions (Cardamom, Cinnamon)
My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of cardamom to hers – it’s divine! A dash of cinnamon is also lovely.
Festival Adaptations (Adding Saffron for Makar Sankranti)
During Makar Sankranti, my grandmother used to add a few strands of saffron to the milk for a beautiful color and flavour. It’s a lovely tradition!
Serving Suggestions
This sesame seed milk is so versatile!
- Enjoy it chilled on its own.
- Use it in your coffee or tea.
- Add it to smoothies.
- Pour it over your favorite cereal.
- Use it in baking!
Storage Instructions
Store your homemade sesame seed milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It may separate, so just give it a good stir before serving.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
What are the health benefits of sesame seed milk?
Sesame seeds are packed with calcium, iron, and healthy fats. This milk is a great source of these nutrients and can contribute to bone health, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Can I use black sesame seeds for this recipe? What’s the difference?
Absolutely! Black sesame seeds will give your milk a darker color and a more intense, nutty flavor. They’re also richer in antioxidants.
How can I tell if my sesame seed milk has gone bad?
If it smells sour or has a strange taste, it’s best to discard it.
Can I use this sesame seed milk in coffee or tea?
Yes! It froths beautifully and adds a lovely subtle flavor.
Is it possible to make sesame seed milk without a high-speed blender?
It’s possible, but it will take longer and the texture might not be as smooth. You may need to soak the seeds for a longer period and blend in batches.
What can I do with the pulp leftover after straining?
Don’t throw it away! You can add it to smoothies, use it in baking, or even spread it on toast. It’s full of fiber and nutrients.
Enjoy making (and drinking!) this delicious and healthy sesame seed milk. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you come up with.